So sorry! Why we need to be ruder to strangers on the phone...

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 18:18 EDT, 7 September 2026 | Updated: 19:34 EDT, 7 September 2026 Britons are being urged to ditch their natural urge to be nice when answering the phone to strangers.An anti-fraud body has warned that scammers are exploiting British politeness, with a survey finding that 53 per cent of adults stay on unwarranted calls longer than they want to.By contrast, just 43 per cent of Americans – who do not have the same inclination to keep talking – had the same issue.Nearly a third of Britons said concerns about seeming rude made them uncomfortable about ending a conversation swiftly. However, according to the national campaign Take Five To Stop Fraud, the fraudsters seize on this to build trust and apply pressure.The famously sharp-tongued Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, who endorsed the campaign, has urged Britons to follow his example. He said: 'When it comes to fraud, being a bit rude is exactly the right thing to do.''If someone unexpectedly asks for your money or personal information, don't feel obliged to keep the conversation going.' Britons are being urged to ditch their natural urge to be nice when answering the phone to strangers (stock photo)'It's perfectly acceptable to stop, take your time and check they're really who they say they are. You don't owe anyone your time just because they asked for it.'Jess Cook, from Take Five To Stop Fraud, said criminals 'know it can feel uncomfortable to end a conversation abruptly' and 'exploit our instinct to be polite'.She said the aim is 'giving people permission to put protection before politeness.'Nine in ten of the 2,000 adults surveyed also said they were brought up to be polite to those they do not know. And 26 per cent said questioning credibility of a caller who claims to represent a public organisation or essential service provider was uncomfortable.More than £92.4million was stolen by criminals claiming to be company officials in impersonation scams last year.Take Five To Stop Fraud warned fraudsters use unexpected phone calls, doorstep conversations, emails and messages to build trust, create urgency and pressure people into sharing personal information or sending money. Ms Cook added: 'If someone unexpectedly asks for your money or personal information, stop the interaction.''Hang up, shut the door, or simply say no. Then verify independently using contact details you trust.'Any genuine organisation won't mind you taking the time to check it's really them.'